System for providing assured power to a critical load

ABSTRACT

A power system ( 8 ) is provided for economically supplying uninterrupted electrical power to one or more critical loads ( 14 ). One or more fuel cell power plants ( 18 ) provide one substantially continuous source of power, and a utility grid ( 10 ) provides another source of power. The fuel cell power plants ( 18 ) are adapted to be, and are,  normally substantially continuously connected and providing power to, the critical load(s) ( 14 ). A rapidly-acting static switch ( 19 ) selectively connects and  disconnects and reconnects the grid power supply ( 10 ) to the critical load(s) ( 14 ) and with the fuel cell power plant(s) ( 18 ) for abnormal and normal grid operation, respectively. A switch controller ( 49, 45 ) controls the state of the static switch ( 19 ) to connect the grid power source ( 10 ) with the critical load(s) ( 14 ) and the  rapidly ( less than 4 ms )  make the disconnections and the reconnections. The  fuel cell power plant(s) ( 18 ) during normal operation of the grid ( 10 ), and to rapidly (less than 4 ms) disconnect the grid power source ( 10 ) from the load(s) ( 14 ) and the fuel cell power plant(s) ( 18 ) when operation of the grid ( 10 ) deviates from normal beyond a limit.  each include power conditioning systems ( PCS )  indirectly controlled by the switch controller  ( 49, 45 )  to in turn rapidly transition the  ( PCSs )  of the fuel cell power plants  ( 18 )  between grid connected and grid independent modes .

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to power systems, and more particularlyto power systems for providing an assured, or uninterruptible, supply ofelectrical power to one or more critical loads. More particularly still,the invention relates to such power systems employing fuel cells as asource of electrical power.

BACKGROUND ART

By far, the most common source of electrical power for a great varietyof loads is via the extensive power grid provided by the variouselectric utilities. The electrical power available on the utility gridis generally fairly reliable as to continuity and adherence toestablished standards of voltage, frequency, phase, etc. However, fromtime to time discontinuities and/or departure from those standards dooccur. If they are brief or modest, most loads are relativelyinsensitive to those events. On the other hand, there are a growingnumber of loads which are relatively intolerant of even briefaberrations in the power supplied by the utility grid, with theprincipal example being computers and various types of electronic dataprocessing devices. Even brief interruptions in the standardized supplyof electric power by the utility grid may cause the computer tomalfunction, with sometimes costly, and always bothersome, consequences.

In defining this concern, the Computer Business Equipment ManufacturersAssociation (formerly CBEMA, and not ITI) has developed a set of PowerAcceptability Curves which establish the standards, or at least provideguidance, for determining the power norms which will assure continuedoperation of those types of loads. In that regard, a standard has beenadopted indicating that a computer can tolerate a one half cycle or 8.3ms power interruption. The power available on the utility grids is notpresently capable of meeting this standard on a substantially continuousbasis. Accordingly, it has been and is, necessary to providesupplemental mental power sources if it is important to assure thatcritical loads have a substantially continuous or uninterrupted supplyof electrical power. For purposes of this application, a supply of powerwith interruptions or transfers of no greater than 8.3 ms duration, maybe referred to as being “seamless”, “substantially continuous”, or“substantially uninterrupted”.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated one existing form ofuninterruptible power supply (UPS), a so-called “on-line” or “doubleconversion” type, used to supply a critical load in those instances whenthe utility grid supply is interrupted or is outside of specifiedlimits. The utility grid power supply normally appears on conductor 110,and is passed via normally-closed contacts of a 3-pole transfer switch112 to a rectifier 120, which supplies the critical loads 114 via aninverter 122. However, to provide continued power in and during thoseintervals when the utility grid power is not within the specifiedlimits, a backup battery 116 is provided to supply immediate power oflimited duration, and an emergency electrical generator 118 is thenconnected to the other contact of transfer switch 112 to follow-up witha longer term temporary supply. To accommodate the use of battery 116 ina system which relies on AC power for the loads 114, it is necessary toprovide the rectifier 120 to charge battery 116 and the inverter 122 toconvert the DC supply from the battery to the necessary AC supply forthe loads. A high speed switch 124 connected between the transfer switch112 and the loads 114 operates as a bypass switch to provide temporarypower if the inverter 122 or rectifier 120 must be serviced. Because thegrid and loads are not normally directly connected, but rather the powerto the loads is required to pass through a pair of converters with theaid of the UPS battery, this type of UPS is termed an “in-line” or“double conversion” type. This arrangement, through effective, requiresa number of costly components that are in use only during the intervalswhen the utility grid power is unsatisfactory.

Another arrangement of a power system for providing substantiallyuninterrupted power to critical loads is described in PCT applicationUS99/10833 for “Power System”, published on Nov. 25, 1999 as WO99/60687. Referring to FIG. 2 in the present application, the relevantportions of the invention described in that PCT application are depictedin a very simplified, generalized form, with elements being numberedsuch that their last 2 digits are the same as their functionallyequivalent counterparts in FIG. 1. The critical loads 214 receivesubstantially uninterrupted power from a motor-generator 230 within anuninterruptable power system module 231, which module also containstransfer switches, rectifiers and inverters. Several alternativeelectrical power sources are provided to maximize the continued poweringof the motor-generator 230. One such power source may be the utilitygrid 210. Another source may be the fuel cell generator power plant 218.A transfer switching arrangement 212 enables one or the other of theutility grid 210 and the fuel cell 218 to normally provide the power todrive the motor-generator 230. This type of uninterruptible power supplyis also of the “on-line” or “double conversion” type inasmuch as thegrid is not directly connected to the loads 214, but acts through therectifier and inverter converters and the flywheel and/or fuel cells toenergize motor-generator 230 which in turn provides uninterrupted power.In fact, the fuel cell 218 is configured to operate in a grid contact(G/C) mode with the utility grid 210 for system economy, so in gridconnected mode both the grid and the fuel cell supply the “grid”terminals of the transfer switch. In the event of failure of the gridsupply 210, the fuel cell 218 is intended to serve as the continuingpower source for the motor-generator 230. However, in such event, thefuel cell 218 must reconfigure from a “grid connect” (G/C) mode ofoperation to a “grid independent” (G/I) mode. The power conditioningsystem (PCS) portion of the fuel cell 218 includes associated inverters,switching transistors and breakers (not shown) that effect theconversion of DC power to AC power and that govern the fundamental G/Cand G/I modes of fuel cell operation. That mode transition (from G/C toG/I) has typically required the fuel cell 218 and transfer switch 212 tointerrupt power generation for up to 5 seconds. Such interruption is not“seamless”, and would be of unacceptable duration for critical computerloads 214. Accordingly, a backup flywheel power source 216 providesimmediately power of limited duration (similar to the battery source 116in FIG. 1) to the motor-generator 230 at least during such modeconversions. That backup power source 216 is a flywheel 236 driving abi-directional AC/DC converter 238. The converter 238 keeps the flywheelspinning during normal operation, and discharges the flywheel 236 duringbackup operation. The various transfer switches used in the transferswitching arrangement 212 and in the uninterruptable power system module231 may be electro-mechanical, static, or a combination thereof, andserve to effect the various power switching functions.

While the Power System of the abovementioned PCT application may providea substantially uninterrupted source of power to various critical loadsand may advantageously employ fuel cells as one of the main sources ofthe power, it nevertheless requires the use of considerable additionalequipment that is complex and costly. For example, the separatemotor-generated 230, and the backup power source 216 which includes theflywheel 236/converter 238 combination, represent necessary, butexpensive, components in order to assure the degree of power continuitysought and required.

Another type of UPS is of the “stand-by” type wherein the grid isdirectly connected to the loads and a stand-by UPS remains idle, even ifconnected to the loads, until a switch disconnects the grid from theloads. An example of such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,011,324. The fuel cell and associated inverters are normally connectedto the loads, but in an idle standby mode while the grid supplies powerdirectly to the loads. When the grid fails, the fuel cell is rapidlybrought to full output power and a solid state switch disconnects thegrid. Here, too, a number of costly components are in use only duringthe intervals when the utility grid power is unsatisfactory.Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide a power system for providing a substantially uninterrupted(seamless) supply of electric power to critical loads in a relativelyeconomical manner.

It is a further object to provide such a power system in which one ormore fuel cell power plant(s) are utilized to substantially continuouslysupply power to the loads.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, there is provided a relatively economicaland reliable power system for providing substantially uninterruptedelectric power to one or more critical loads. A first power source, suchas the utility grid, provides sufficient power to supply the criticalloads. A second power source comprising at least one, and typicallymultiple, fuel cell power plants, provides sufficient power to supply atleast the critical loads. The fuel cell power plant(s) is/are adapted tobe, and is/are, substantially continuously connected to the criticalloads and are substantially continuously providing significant power toat least the critical loads. A static switch operates to rapidly andseamlessly connect and disconnect the utility grid to the criticalload(s) and to the fuel cell power plant(s), for economical continuoususage of the fuel cell power plant(s). Significant economy is realizedby having the substantially continuously operating fuel cell(s)substantially continuously connected to the load, and normally also tothe grid. In this way, the fuel cells may continuously deliver theirrated power, with the requisite portion going to the critical loads andany excess being delivered to non-critical loads and/or the grid. Thestatic switch may be one or more silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs),or thyristors. Solid-state switch controls operate to rapidly switch thestatic switch in 4 ms, or less, to make seamless transfers between thefirst and second power sources. This switching speed is significantlyfaster than is obtained with conventional line commutation ofthyristors. Further control electronics provide high-speed transitions(less than about 4 ms) in the operating modes of the power conditioningsystem (PCS) inverters associated with each of the fuel cell powerplants. This assures that the fuel cell mode transitions, heretoforenormally slow, are at a speed comparable to that of the static switch soas to provide substantially seamless power transfers of and between thefirst and second power sources. This allows continuous productiveoperation of the fuel cell power plants.

The foregoing features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent in light of the following detailed description ofexemplary embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic block diagram of one type ofuninterruptible power supply in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic block diagram of an uninterruptiblepower supply employing fuel cell power plants in accordance with theprior art;

FIG. 3 is simplified schematic block diagram of a power system employinga fuel cell power plant, static switch and site control in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the static switch ingreater detail;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the site control ingreater detail; and

FIG. 6 is table of the operational mode states of the fuel cell(s) inassociation with mode-controlling signals.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the Drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 depict prior types ofuninterrupted power systems as previously described in the BackgroundArt.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is depicted a simplified schematic blockdiagram of a power system 8 in accordance with the invention. The powersystem 8 is connected to utility grid bus 10, and employs one or morefuel cell power plants 18 at a site, for supplying 3-phase powersubstantially continuously to and through load contactors (not shown),to load(s) 14, usually also at the site. For simplicity, a “one line”diagram, or representation, is used herein to depict the 3-phase supplylines, as well as their included switches, etc. The grid 10, the fuelcell power plants 18, and the load(s) 14 are interconnected andcontrolled through a site management system (SMS), generally representedby the broken line block, or grouping, 11. The load(s) 14 typicallyinclude a number of individual customer loads, at least some of whichrequire a substantially continuous supply of power and are thus deemed“critical loads”. The critical loads 14 are typically computers, controldevices employing computers, and/or electronic data processing devices.For convenience of explanation and visual distinction, the portions ofthe schematic carrying the relatively higher voltage/current/power tothe load(s) 14 are bolded, in contrast with the lower-voltage, controlportions of the system 8.

The utility grid bus 10 normally provides power at 480 V_(AC) and 60 Hz,as do the fuel cell power plants 18 via lead, or bus, 15. Switchinggear, generally designated 12, serves to interconnect the fuel cell(s)18, the load(s) 14 and the utility grid 10. In this way, the fuel cells18 are available and connected for supplying electrical power on a fulltime basis to the loads 14 and/or to the utility grid 10, for economicalusage of the fuel cells. The switching gear 12 includes a static switchmodule 17 for selectively connecting and disconnecting the utility gridbus 10 to the loads 14 and to the fuel cells 18, as will be described.The static switch module 17 includes a 3-pole electrically operatedstatic switch 19 rated at 2000 amperes and capable of performingseamless switching transfer of power in about ¼ cycle (about 4 ms). Theswitching gear 12 further includes several inter-tie or breaker switches21, 21A, 23, 23A, and isolation switch 25 for further selectivelyconnecting and disconnecting the fuel cells 18, loads 14, utility gridbus 10 and static switch module 17, relative to one another, primarilyto isolate the static switch 19 for servicing and continue to providepower to the load(s) 14. A secondary purpose is to allow large faultcurrents to flow through breaker 23A instead of static switch 19 if sucha fault in the load 14 should occur.

The fuel cell(s) 18 may be a single power plant, or multiple (i.e., “n”)plants, connected to provide power to the loads 14 and/or to the utilitygrid 10. In an exemplary embodiment, there are five fuel cell powerplants 18, each being a 200 kw ONSI PC25™C power plant, for collectivelyproviding up to 1 megawatt of power. In addition to a fuel processor andthe fuel cell stack itself, each power plant 18 also includes a powerconditioning system (PCS) that contains a solid-state inverter whichconverts DC power to AC power at the desired voltage and frequency.Control of and by the PCS further enables conversion of the mode ofoperation of a fuel cell power plant 18 from G/C to G/I, and vice versa,as will be described in greater detail. When used in G/C mode, thevariable controlled by the PCS is power delivered (both real andreactive). When used in the G/I mode, the variables controlled areoutput voltage and frequency, and, if multiple power plants 18 areinvolved, phase. The output voltage of a three-phase system is, ofcourse, controlled to be at a phase angle of 120° between each phase.The outputs of the several fuel cell power plants 18 are collectivelyjoined by bus 15, which is connected through a delta-to-wye transformer27 and bus 15′ to the switching gear 12. The transformer 27 provides aseparately derived neutral/ground system for the load 14, and alsoprovides isolation between the fuel cell PCS and the load 14 and/or theutility grid bus 10.

A site supervisory control (SSC) 29 provides the operator interface forthe system 8 and may be responsible for control of the system at a highlevel. The SSC 29 allows the operator to issue high level commands suchas “start”, “stop”, and the like. The SSC 29 may include one or moreprogrammable logic controllers, data processors, computers, sensors,etc. to effect the control of the various components and functions ofthe system 8. An operator console 32 provides a display and inputcapability for the SSC 29. The SSC 29 may provide limited control ofswitching gear 12, as through a link 52, although principal control ofthat switching gear occurs automatically by the static switch 19.

There is also provided a site management control (SMC) 31 for providingdirect control of the PCS's of the fuel cells 18, in response to signalsfrom the static switch module 17, as well as the grid voltage referencesignal 10′ described below. The SMC 31 also may be composed of computersand associated sensors and control circuitry. The SMC 31 may be viewedand considered as an included portion of the SMS 11. Control bus 33exchanges control signals between the SMC 31 and the PCS's of fuel cells18. Control signals may also be exchanged between the SSC 29 and thefuel cells 18 via control bus 35, here shown in broken line. Controlsignals are exchanged between the SMC 31 and the static switch module 17via control bus 40. A voltage, or potential, transformer 37 senses the480 V_(ac) grid voltage and communicates the stepped-down 120 V_(ac)value, via bus 10′, to the SMC 31 and the static switch module 17 forthe purpose of providing control signals indicative of the grid'svoltage, phase and frequency. The depicted location and quantity oftransformer(s) 37 is mainly symbolic, and it should be understood thatsuch transformer(s) may, alternatively, be incorporated as part of thecontrol circuit or module for which the control signal is provided. Acurrent transformer 41 senses the load current in a power bus path 39connected to the loads 14, and communicates the value to the staticswitch module 17 via bus 43. Similarly, current transformer 42 sensesgrid current and communicates the value to the static switch module 17via bus 44, and voltage transformer 46 senses load voltage and transmitsit to the static switch module 17 via bus 48.

Returning to further consideration of the switching gear 12, withreference additionally to FIG. 4, the power bus 15′ from the fuel cells18 is connected through breaker 21 to one pole of the static switch 19.The power bus path 39 extends from that pole of the static switch 19through a normally-closed isolation switch 25 to the loads 14. Theutility grid power bus 10 is extended to the other pole of the staticswitch 19 through breaker 23. The breaker switches 21 and 23 areintended to be closed during normal operation, such that power from thefuel cells 18 and/or the utility grid 10 may be supplied to the loads14, assuming the static switch 19 is closed. Similarly, assuming thepower delivered by the fuel cells 18 to the critical loads 14 is lessthan the cells' entire power output, the excess power from the fuelcells 18 may be delivered through the static switch 19 to the utilitygrid, or at least to customer non-critical loads (not shown) located onthe grid side of static switch 19. In fact, this is the preferredeconomic mode of operation in that it maximizes the use of the fuelcells 18 and minimizes the need for and cost of, power from grid 10.

A bypass breaker switch 21A, connected from power bus 15′ to the powerbus path 39 between the loads 14 and the isolation switch 25 and beingnormally open, serves, when closed, to bypass breaker switch 21 forpurposes of maintenance or isolation. Similarly, a bypass breaker switch23A, connected from the utility grid bus 10 to the power bus path 39between the loads 14 and the isolation switch 25 and being normallyopen, serves, when closed, to bypass breaker switch 23 and static switch19 to supply grid power to loads 14, in the event the static switchfails or during maintenance or during a load fault sufficiently large toexceed the rating of the static switch. Breakers 21, 23, and 23A areelectrically operated and are automatically controlled by the staticswitch 19 to perform transfers in 5 or 6 cycles, e.g., about 80-100 ms.The breaker switch 21A and isolation switch 25 are manual. The switches21, 23, and 23A can also be manually controlled by the SSC 29. Each ofthe switches 21, 21A, 23, 23a, and 25 is rated 2000 amperes, and thecircuit breakers have a fault interrupting rating of 65 kaic. Thegeneral communication link 52, shown in broken line between theswitching gear 12 and the SSC 29, serves to convey appropriate statusand manual control signals therebetween for the static switch 19 and theseveral breakers 21, 23, 23A, etc. Control logic 49 associated withstatic switch module 17, and particularly a switchgear control logicportion 49B thereof, serves to control the several breakers and switches21, 21A, 23, and 23A, as represented by the broken line control paths21′, 21A′, 23′, and 23A′ extending thereto. The control logic 49 isgenerally comprised of a high-speed logic portion 49A for rapidlycontrolling the static switch 19, and a relatively slower-speed portion49B for controlling the remainder of switchgear 12.

Referring still further to FIG. 4, the static switch module 17 isdepicted in greater detail. Although the static switch 19 is in factthree pairs of SCRs (thyristors), each pair being connected inparallel-opposed relation for conduction in either direction if therespective control gates 19G are enabled, only one of those SCRs isdepicted in this view. The three pairs of SCRs are respectively for eachof the 3 phases of power supply. Normally, the control gates 19G areconnected in common and controlled in unison. Power on utility grid bus10 and/or power on the fuel cell bus 15/15′ may flow through the SCR's19 when the control gates 19G are enabled, thereby allowing eithersource to power the loads 14.

The normal mode is G/C in which the utility grid 10 and the fuel cells18 are connected. The module 17 includes circuitry 45 for sensing whenthe supply of power from the utility grid bus 10 is out of limits.Typically, these limits include a voltage and a current range relativeto the standard or nominal values, and the sensing circuitry 45 providesa signal on lead 47 to control logic 49, and static switch control logic49A thereof specifically, to indicate when the grid is outside thoselimits. The sensing or detection circuitry 45 is fast acting, providinga response in about 2 ms. Although not depicted, a separate fast actingfrequency detector may monitor the grid frequency and provide an “in” or“out” “of limits” signal to the static switch control logic 49A. “Out oflimit” grid signal values include, for example,: a) instantaneous andvoltage magnitudes, on any phase, outside the range of 480 v+8% to −15%;b) instantaneous over-current, on any phase, greater than 2,000 amperes;c) frequency deviations from nominal 60 Hz value for more than 0.5 sec.;as well as others. The control logic 49A acts in response to the gridgoing out of limits, to provide a signal to the SCR gates 19G to disablethem. The SCR's 19 will rapidly commutate off, thereby disconnecting theutility grid bus 10 from both the loads 14 and the fuel cells 18. Acurrent sensor 42′ senses the current through the SCRs and provides anindication to the control logic 49A of the occurrence of zero currentthrough the SCRs. This information is used by the logic 49A to make theSCR commutation faster. This entire action typically occurs in about ¼cycle (4 ms), thus facilitating a seamless transfer of power sourcesfrom the grid 10 and the fuel cells 18, to the fuel cells 18 alone, withthe fuel cells reconfiguring as rapidly, as will be explained. This issignificantly faster than the 8 ms or more required to commutate an SCRusing conventional line commutation.

The control logic 49B also uses the voltage and current sensors 37, 41,42, and 46 to operate the switching gear devices 21, 23, and 23A undervarious grid, load, and fuel cell out of limit or fault, conditions. Forexample, if a load over-current condition exists such that the currentrating of the static switch 19 may be exceeded, switch 23A is closed toconduct the fault current to the load 14, by-passing the static switch.As a further example, a fuel cell fault can be indirectly detected byobserving a low load voltage and perhaps a high grid current but no loadover-current. In such event, switch 21 is opened to isolate the fuelcell fault from the load 14. The control logic 49A also provides an M1mode signal on lead 401 and an M2 mode signal on lead 402. For manualcontrol from the SSC 29, a G/I status signal is provided by controllogic 49 on lead 403, and a SW19 Enable signal is received on lead 404.The signals 401 and 402 are part of the control signal bus 40, and thesignals on leads 403 and 404 may be conveyed via communications link 52.When the sensing circuitry 45 senses the grid to be out of limits, itcauses the M2 mode signal on lead 402 to transition from an “Off” to an“On” state to signal a need for, and to initiate, a mode change.Similarly, but slightly delayed, when the static switch 19 has actuallyopened in response to the sensed out of limits condition of the grid,the M1 mode signal on lead 401 transitions from an “Off” to an “On”state to signal nominal completion of the mode change. The reverseoccurs when the sensing circuitry determines that the grid power supplyhas been returned to within the acceptable limits, with the M2 signalagain leading the M1 signal.

Referring to FIG. 5, a relevant portion of the SMC 31 and its control ofthe fuel cell 18 PCSs is depicted in greater detail, though it will beunderstood that the SMC provides additional control functions such asload sharing and the like, not shown. As mentioned above, the potentialtransformer 37, here depicted in the alternative as a separatetransformer 37′, is incorporated as part of the SMC 31. The M1 and M2signals from the static switch module 17 are inputted to an interfacecircuit 51, which conditions each of those signals to provide respectivediscrete signals D1 and D2 on leads 401′ and 402′ connected to the PCSportion of each of the several fuel cell power plants 18 for controllinggating and sequencing of the inverters (not shown) therein during modechanges.

Synchronization of the fuel cell power plants 18 in either the G/C orthe G/I mode is effected by a “sync” signal appearing on lead 53. Thesync signal is provided through a phase-lock loop 55 receivingalternative inputs, through switch 57, from either a zero-crossingdetector 59 connected to the stepped-down utility grid bus 10′ or aninternal frequency source, such as crystal 61. A “loss of grid” detector63, similar to circuit 45, is connected to the stepped-down utility gridbus 10′, and provides a control signal which actuates 3-pole switch 57as a function of whether or not the grid power is within limits. Theinterface circuit 51 also is responsive to the M1 and M2 mode signals toprovide a signal extended to switch 57 to toggle that switch as afunction of the respective mode. It will be understood that detector 63might be omitted and the output of detector circuit 45 from module 17used in its stead to control the M1 and M2 mode signals applied tointerface circuit 51, which in turn controls the switch 57. The switchis depicted in the normal G/C mode in which the synchronization signalprovided to the PCS of the fuel cells 18 is that of the utility, suchthat the frequency and phase of the outputs from the fuel cell invertersare controlled to become and be, the same as it.

When the system 8 operates in the G/I mode, the frequency and phasing ofthe outputs of fuel cells 18 is determined by the crystal 61. When theutility grid power source returns to within limits and the system 8 isto be returned to the G/C mode, the phase and frequency sources aresimilarly returned. The phase lock loop 55 slews the sync signal in itstransition from one mode to the other to avoid steps or discontinuities.

The solid state inverters of the PCSs of the respective fuel cell powerplants 18, and the high speed solid state gates (not shown) whichcontrol them, are capable of responding in the ½ cycle (4 ms) needed forthe seamless transfer of power sources. Thus, these inverters, throughcontrol of their gates by the mode control signals D1 and D2, are ableto effect mode changes of the fuel cells 18 rapidly enough to accomplishthe seamless transfers. This enables the fuel cell power plants 18 tooperate substantially continuously in a power generating mode, eitherG/C or G/I, with but a momentary (less than 4 ms) interruption as theyare reconfigured for operating in the opposite mode. The powerconditioning systems (PCSs), and particularly their inverters andassociated gating logic and control, for each fuel cell power plant 18are of a type manufactured by Magne Tek Inc. of New Berlin, Wis.

Reference to the Table depicted in FIG. 6, in combination with thedescription of the power system 8 provided above and hereinafter, willcomplete an understanding of the invention. During normal G/C operation,both mode signals M1 and M2, and thus also D1 and D2, are “Off”, thestatic switch 19 is “On” (conducting/closed), the inverter gates in thePCSs are enabled, and the sync for the system 8, and particularly thefuel cell PCSs, is provided by the utility grid bus.

Specifically, M2 rapidly transitions to “On”, while M1 remains “Off” forthe brief interval required for switch 19 to transition from “On” to“Off”. The discrete signals D1 and D2 have the same states as M1 and M2,respectively. The transition of signal M2 (and thus D2) to the “On”state serves to briefly turn “Off” the inverter gates in the PCSs suchthat, for a brief interval less than 4 ms, the PCSs of the fuel cells 18do not provide an electrical power output while they are beingreconfigured to the G/I mode of operation. During this interval, the PCSoutput regulators are being reconfigured, such that in the G/C mode theyregulate power (real) and VARs and in the G/I mode they regulate voltageand frequency. The sync is also being reconfigured during this interval.This interruption is sufficiently brief and the switch 19 sufficientlyfast, that there is little or no chance for an overload on grid 10 toadversely impact the remainder of power system 8.

After this brief interval of 4 ms, or less, the system 8 is reconfiguredand operating in the G/I mode. The mode signals M1 and M2 (and thusalso, D1 and D2) are both “On”, the switch 19 is “Off” (open) such thatthe system is disconnected from the utility grid bus 8, and the invertergates in the PCSs are again on to provide power to the load(s) 14 fromthe fuel cells 18. At this time, the output from the PCSs is being“clocked”, or synchronized, by the crystal 61. In the G/I mode, the fuelcell power plants 18 supply, or continue to supply, power to the loads14 at regulated voltage and frequency without involvement of the utilitygrid, at least to the maximum capacity of the collective fuel cells.

At such time as the utility grid bus 10 comes back within acceptablelimits as determined by sensor 45, the control logic 49 of the staticswitch module 17 reverses the prior mode change sequence and begins thetransition from the G/I mode back to the G/C mode. Mode signal M2 firstgoes “Off” while M1 briefly remains “On”, the switch 19 quicklytransitions from “Off” to “On” such that the utility grid bus 10 is onceagain connected to the loads 14 together with the fuel cells 18, the PCSinverter gates are again briefly “Off” during reconfiguring, and the PCSsynchronization is changing from reliance on crystal 61 to that of theutility grid supply. The internal PCS output regulation changes fromvoltage and frequency to power and VARs. Following the brief interval(less than 4 ms) for reconfiguring, the system 8 has been returned tothe G/C state, or mode.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respectto the exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes,omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. For example, the static switch module 17,and particularly switch 19 therein, is/are depicted as being separatefrom and external to, the fuel cells 18 and their respective PCS's, thusproviding the economy of singular control elements responsible forcontrolling multiple fuel cells. However, it will be appreciated thatthese controls could be integral with or internal to the respective fuelcells, particularly if there is but a single fuel cell power plant.Moreover, although the static switch 19 is described in the context ofpairs of SCRs, it will be appreciated that other static switchingdevices capable of similar switching speeds and current ratings may alsobe used. It will also be understood that a greater or lesser number offuel cell power plants may be employed, and both the voltage and thecurrent ratings associated with the elements discussed herein may begreater or less than described. Similarly, the control circuitsdescribed herein as being in the static switch module 17 could reside inthe SMC 31.

1. A power system (8) for providing uninterrupted electric power to acritical load (14), comprising: a. a first power source (10) providingsufficient power to supply the critical load (14); b. a second powersource (18) comprising at least one fuel cell power plant (18), thesecond power source providing sufficient power to supply the criticalload (14) and adapted to be normally substantially continuouslyconnected and providing power to, the critical load (14); c. a staticswitch (19) for selectively connecting and disconnecting the first powersource (10) to the second power source (18) and ( to) the critical load(14); and d. a switch controller (49, 45) for controlling the state ofthe static switch (19) to connect the first power source (10) with thecritical load (14) and the second power source (18) during normaloperation of the first power source (10) and to rapidly disconnect thefirst power source (10) from the critical load (14) and the second powersource (18) if and when operation of the first power source (10)deviates beyond a limit from normal.
 2. The power system (8) of claim 1wherein the switch controller (49, 45) additionally controls the stateof the static switch (19) to rapidly reconnect the first power source(10) with the critical load (14) and the second power source (18) whenthe first power source (10) returns to normal operation.
 3. The powersystem (8) of claim 1 wherein the second power source (18) comprisesonly one or more fuel cell power plants (18).
 4. The power system (8) ofclaim 1 wherein the static switch (19) is a solid-state device.
 5. Thepower system (8) of claim 4 wherein the solid-state device is athyristor (19).
 6. The power system (8) of claim 1 wherein the firstpower source (10) is a utility power grid and wherein each fuel cellpower plant (18) includes a power conditioning system (PCS) forconfiguring operation of the respective fuel cell (18) in a gridconnected mode or in a grid independent mode in response to mode controlsignals (D1′/401′, D2/402′), and including a site management controller(31) connected intermediate the switch controller (49, 45) and the powerconditioning system (PCS) and responsive to preliminary mode signals(M1/401, M2/402) from the switch controller (49, 45) for providing themode control signals (D1/401′, D2′/402′) to the fuel cell powerconditioning system (PCS), whereby the fuel cell power plants (18)rapidly transition operation between the grid connected and the gridindependent modes.
 7. The power system of claim 6 wherein the rapiddisconnection of the first power source (10) from the critical load (14)and the second power source (18), and the rapid transitioning ofoperation of the at least one fuel cell (18) between the grid connectedmode and the grid independent mode occurs within an interval of about 4milliseconds.
 8. The power system of claim 1 wherein the rapiddisconnection of the first power source (10) from the critical load (14)and the second power source (18) occurs within an interval of about 4milliseconds.
 9. A power system (8) for providing substantiallycontinuous electric power to at least at critical load (14), comprising:a. a utility grid power source (10) providing sufficient power to supplythe critical load (14); b. at least one fuel cell power plant (18)operating substantially continuously for providing at least sufficientpower to supply the critical load (14), the at least one fuel cell powerplant (18) including a power conditioning system (PCS) for configuringoperation of the respective fuel cell (18) in a grid connected mode orin a grid independent mode in response to mode control signals(D1′/401′, D2/402′), the at least one fuel cell power plant (18) beingnormally substantially continuously connected and providing power to,the critical load (14); c. a static switch (19) for selectivelyconnecting and disconnecting the grid power source (10) to the at leastone fuel cell power plant (18) and to the critical load (14); d. aswitch controller (49, 45) for controlling the state of the staticswitch (19) to connect the grid power source (10) with the critical load(14) and the at least one fuel cell power plant (18) during normaloperation of the grid power source (10) and to disconnect, within a 4millisecond interval, the grid power source (10) from the critical load(14) and the at least one fuel cell power plant (18) when the grid powersource deviates beyond a limit from normal, and e. a site managementcontroller (31) connected between the switch controller (49, 45) and thepower conditioning system (PCS) and responsive to preliminary modesignals (M1/401, M2/402) from the switch controller (49, 45) forproviding the mode control signals (D1/401′, D2/402′) to the fuel cellpower conditioning system (PCS) to cause the at least one fuel cellpower plant (18) to rapidly transition operation, within a 4 millisecondinterval, between the grid connected mode and the grid independent mode.10. A power system (8) for providing substantially continuous electricpower to at least a critical load (14), comprising: a. a utility gridpower source (10) providing sufficient power to supply the critical load(14); b. at least one fuel cell power plant (18) operating substantiallycontinuously for providing at least sufficient power to supply thecritical load (14), the at least one fuel cell power plant (18)including a power conditioning system (PCS) for configuring operation ofthe respective fuel cell (18) in a grid connected mode or in a gridindependent mode in response to mode control signals (D1/401′, D2/402′),the at least one fuel cell power plant (18) being normally substantiallycontinuously connected and providing power to, the critical load (14);c. a static switch (19) for selectively connecting and disconnecting thegrid power source (10) to the at least one fuel cell power plant (18)and to the critical load (14); d. a switch controller (49, 45) forcontrolling the state of the static switch (19) to connect the gridpower source (10) with the critical load (14) and the at least one fuelcell power plant (18) during normal operation of the grid power source(10) and to disconnect, within less than an 8.3 millisecond interval,the grid power source (10) from the critical load (14) and the at leastone fuel cell power plant (18) when the grid power source deviatesbeyond a limit from normal; and e. a site management controller (31)connected with the switch controller (49, 45) and the power conditioningsystem (PCS) and responsive to the switch controller (49, 45) forproviding mode control signals (D1/401′, D2/402′) to the fuel cell powerconditioning system (PCS) to cause the at least one fuel cell powerplant (18) to rapidly transition operation, within less than an 8.3millisecond interval, between the grid connected mode and the gridindependent mode.
 11. The power system (8) of claim 10 wherein the atleast one fuel cell power plant (18) is caused to rapidly transitionoperation between the grid connected mode and the grid independent modein an interval of less than about 4 milliseconds.
 12. A power system ( 8) for providing uninterrupted electric power to a critical load ( 14 ),comprising: a. a first power source ( 10 ) providing sufficient power tosupply the critical load ( 14 ); b. a second power source ( 18 ), thesecond power source providing sufficient power to supply the criticalload ( 14 ) and adapted to be normally substantially continuouslyconnected and providing power to, the critical load ( 14 ); c. a staticswitch ( 19 ) for selectively connecting and disconnecting the firstpower source ( 10 ) to the second power source ( 18 ) and to thecritical load ( 14 ); and d. a switch controller ( 49, 45 ) forcontrolling the state of the static switch ( 19 ) to connect the firstpower source ( 10 ) with the critical load ( 14 ) and the second powersource ( 18 ) during normal operation of the first power source ( 10 )and to rapidly disconnect the first power source ( 10 ) from thecritical load ( 14 ) and the second power source ( 18 ) if and whenoperation of the first power source ( 10 ) deviates beyond a limit fromnormal.
 13. The power system ( 8 ) of claim 12 wherein the switchcontroller ( 49, 45 ) additionally controls the state of the staticswitch ( 19 ) to rapidly reconnect the first power source ( 10 ) withthe critical load ( 14 ) and the second power source ( 18 ) when thefirst power source ( 10 ) returns to normal operation.
 14. The powersystem ( 8 ) of claim 12 wherein the static switch ( 19 ) is asolid-state device.
 15. The power system ( 8 ) of claim 14 wherein thesolid-state device is a thyristor ( 19 ).
 16. The power system ( 8 ) ofclaim 12 wherein the first power source ( 10 ) is a utility power gridand wherein the second power source ( 18 ) includes at least one powerconditioning system (PCS) for configuring operation of the second powersource ( 18 ) in a grid connected mode or in a grid independent mode inresponse to mode control signals (D1/401′, D2/402′), and including asite management controller ( 31 ) connected intermediate the switchcontroller ( 49, 45 ) and the power conditioning system (PCS) andresponsive to preliminary mode signals (M1/401, M2/402 ) from the switchcontroller ( 49, 45 ) for providing the mode control signals (D1/401′,D2/402′) to the second power source power conditioning system (PCS),whereby the second power source ( 18 ) rapidly transitions operationbetween the grid connected and the grid independent modes.
 17. The powersystem of claim 16 wherein the rapid disconnection of the first powersource ( 10 ) from the critical load ( 14 ) and the second power source( 18 ), and the rapid transitioning of operation of the second powersource ( 18 ) between the grid connected mode and the grid independentmode occurs within an interval of about 4 milliseconds.
 18. The powersystem of claim 12 wherein the rapid disconnection of the first powersource ( 10 ) from the critical load ( 14 ) and the second power source( 18 ) occurs within an interval of less than about 8.3 milliseconds.19. The power source of claim 18 wherein the rapid disconnection of thefirst power source ( 10 ) from the critical load ( 14 ) and the secondpower source ( 18 ) occurs within an interval of about 4 milliseconds.